Pertuset named farmer of the year

Darren Pertuset was recently named the Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce Farmer of the Year for 2013. Pertuset is the third person in his family to receive this award.

Pertuset’s grandfather Frank won the award in 1983. His father Jim won the award in 1997.

“It was really exciting to have this honor and to be the third generation to receive it,” Darren Pertuset said.

Darren Pertuset said prior to the night of the award ceremony, he did not know he was getting the award, so it came at as a surprise.

“Getting this award means a lot, my grandpa has it, my dad had it and now I have it so I’m following in their footsteps,” Darren Pertuset said.

Pertuset’s father Jim, was on hand to help present Darren the award.

Darren Pertuset said he farms corn and soybeans with his father in addition to working a full-time job. He said the farm along the Scioto River has been in the family since 1983.

“Farming is a dying breed, once they are gone, they are gone. There is not many left, farming is kind of a hard way to make it. A lot of people do not want to put the work into it, anymore,” Darren Pertuset said.

Darren Pertuset said he and his wife do not have any children, but hope to one day so there can be a fourth generation that receives the farmer of the year award.

The Portsmouth Area Chamber of Commerce has been honoring the Farmer of the Year since 1957. The Chamber has recognized 57 area farmers since the award’s inception. According to the Chamber, there have been several second- and third-generation farmers named farmer of the year.

Wayne Allen may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 228, or tallen@civitasmedia.com.